Jason Taylor is a former professional defensive end and outside linebacker. Taylor was a four-year letterman and three-year starter for the Akron Zips of the University of Akron before being drafted in the third round, 13th pick (73rd overall), in the 1997 NFL Draft by Miami.

Taylor spent the majority of his career with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Over the course of his 15-year career, Taylor played for the Dolphins in three stints (1997–2007, 2009 and 2011), and also played a season each for the Washington Redskins and New York Jets. Taylor had the fourth most forced fumbles of all time with 46, at the time of his retirement. He is seventh on the all-time career sack list with 139.5 sacks and is the all-time leader in fumble return touchdowns with six, and interceptions returned for touchdowns by a defensive lineman with three, while his 246 fumble return yards are the fourth-highest total in NFL history. With nine career touchdowns scored, he is also the all-time leader in that category for defensive linemen (all records hold as of 2021).

He officially announced his retirement on December 28, 2011. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, his first year of eligibility.